FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 12/09/2016 Contact: Shannon McMahon
Phone: 319-356-5058
Iowa City reminds property owners and tenants of sidewalk snow removal ordinance
With snow season’s arrival this year, the City of
Iowa City reminds residents of the snow removal ordinance requiring sidewalks to
be cleared within 24 hours after a one-inch or more snowfall, or after any
accumulation of ice has ended. Property owners are responsible for the removal
of snow and ice from all sidewalks that abut their private property. The entire
width of the sidewalk must be cleared down to concrete. Tenants are advised to
check their leases to see if their landlord has transferred the responsibility
of snow and ice removal to them.
Residents who wish to report a property where the
adjacent public sidewalk has not been cleared have three ways to notify the City’s
Neighborhood & Development Services office:
use
the ICGovXpress mobile app on their smart phone (visit www.icgov.org/?id=2253 to download the
free app – search for it under “GORequest”);
Complaints must be specific and include an actual
address in order for City staff to respond. Residents may visit http://bit.ly/2gkDpPy to see a map of properties
that are being investigated by Neighborhood & Development Services due to
complaints from the public.
If a complaint is received about an unshoveled
property, an inspector will visit the address to verify the violation, and
leave a notification tag at the property if a violation exists. A Notice of Violation
will also be mailed to the property owner and an additional 24 hours will be
given to remove the snow and/or ice. If not completed by the deadline, the City
will hire a private contractor to complete the job, and the property owner will
be billed those costs plus a $100 administrative fee.Please keep in mind that only one
notification will be given per snow season.Subsequent violations at the property will be cleared without further
notification.
This video illustrate the impact of uncleared pathways. It's a good reminder to clear the curb ramps connected to your property.
Curb ramps and crosswalks
Please be a good neighbor and keep curb ramps clear. Clear curb ramps are vital to keeping sidewalks accessible to everyone, especially for pedestrians with limited mobility.
Snow and ice that is shoveled or that accumulates in crosswalks makes it difficult and dangerous for many of our residents, especially the elderly, people in wheelchairs or who are mobility-impaired, and children on their way to and from school. When you get to the end of your sidewalk, please shovel a few extra feet to clear the crosswalks and curb ramps if you are able.
Residents are asked to be considerate of pedestrians this winter by keeping their sidewalks clear and safe. For more information, contact Stan Laverman, Senior Housing Inspector, at 319-356-5135 or e-mail stan-laverman@iowa-city.org.
